St. Patrick’s Day in Boston is more than just a holiday — it’s a celebration deeply rooted in the city’s rich Irish heritage. As one of America’s most Irish cities, Boston transforms into a vibrant hub of Celtic pride each March. Our local team has crafted this guide to ensure you fully experience the traditions and festivities of Boston’s iconic St. Patrick’s Day celebrations!
Walk Boston’s Vibrant Irish-American Heritage
Boston’s connection to Ireland goes back over centuries, thanks to the Irish immigrants who played a huge role in shaping the city’s culture, politics, and identity. One of the best ways to understand this is by exploring the Irish Heritage Trail. This self-guided trail takes you through over 20 downtown Boston and Back Bay landmarks, covering over three miles of Irish-American history from the 1700s to the present.
The Irish Heritage Trail includes monuments, buildings, and public spaces honoring Irish-American artists, heroes, and community leaders who significantly contributed to Boston. Some highlights include the Boston Irish Famine Memorial, the statue of Irish-born Mayor Hugh O’Brien, and the Rose Kennedy Garden.
The beauty of this activity is its accessibility—you can explore at your own pace, any time of year, making it a perfect addition to your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Experience the St. Patrick’s Day Parade
A cornerstone of Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities is the annual South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade begins at the red line Broadway ‘T’ Station and meanders through the streets of South Boston. You will be enamored and engrossed with the vibrant floats, marching bands, and a sea of green-clad spectators. It’s a two hour event that encapsulates the spirit and unity of the community that will make you want to attend again!
Enjoy Irish Music and Entertainment
No St. Patrick’s Day celebration is complete without traditional Irish music, and Boston delivers spectacularly on this front, transporting you straight to Dublin or Galway. Venues across the city feature Irish bands playing everything from traditional ballads to modern Celtic rock:
- The legendary Dropkick Murphys, Boston’s own Irish-American punk band, typically hold special concerts around the holiday that have become a cherished tradition for many locals.
- Boston’s Irish pubs host live music sessions where skilled musicians gather to play traditional Irish tunes on fiddles, tin whistles, bodhráns (Irish drums), and uilleann pipes.
- The Irish Cultural Centre has performances featuring Irish step dancing, storytelling, and poetry readings.
- The Boston Symphony Hall has been known to offer special Irish-themed concerts around St. Patrick’s Day, showcasing the beauty and emotional depth of Irish classical compositions.
Visit Boston’s Iconic Irish Pubs and Restaurants
Boston’s Irish pubs are the heart and soul of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Several historic pubs and restaurants have become institutions:
- JJ Foleys: Family-owned and operated since 1909 in Boston’s South End, this pub maintains its authentic character while serving excellent Irish fare.
- The Druid: Located in Inman Square, Cambridge, The Druid offers a traditional Irish breakfast on weekends that has gained legendary status among locals.
- Mr. Dooley’s: This downtown Boston establishment provides a taste of old Ireland with its dark wood interiors and authentic atmosphere. Their Irish grill kits and imported Irish food boxes make bringing the pub experience home easy.
- The Burren: This Somerville favorite serves outstanding Guinness beef stew and vegetarian shepherd’s pie in a setting that feels transported directly from the Emerald Isle.
Many of these restaurants have created expansive outdoor dining spaces, and offer takeout options and St. Patrick’s Day meal kits for pickup or delivery. These meal kits include all the ingredients you need to prepare traditional Irish dishes at home. This flexibility ensures you can enjoy Irish hospitality in whatever format you prefer.
If you are looking for something sweet, Boston’s renowned bakeries embrace St. Patrick’s Day with specialty items that appear only in March like Irish soda bread doughnuts, shamrock-shaped cookies, and Bailey’s Irish Cream desserts. There are also specialty food shops that stock imported Irish products, including authentic cheeses, teas, and chocolates that can elevate your celebration. If you don’t have the time to shop around, meal planning services can help deliver everything you need for an authentic Irish feast right to your door.
Attend Cultural Celebrations and Community Events
Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations extend beyond parades and pub visits to include rich cultural experiences highlighting Ireland’s literary, artistic, and theatrical traditions.
The Irish Film Festival typically runs in March, showcasing contemporary Irish cinema through feature films, documentaries, and shorts. This festival provides access to works rarely screened in the United States and offers insights into modern Irish life and perspectives.
Local theaters and performing art venues frequently put on Irish plays during March, from classics by Sean O’Casey and Oscar Wilde to contemporary works by modern Irish playwrights. These performances celebrate Ireland’s outsized contribution to world literature and drama.
Art galleries around Boston feature Irish visual art, photography, and sculpture exhibits during the St. Patrick’s Day season. These exhibitions highlight historic and contemporary Irish artists and demonstrate the evolution of Irish creative identity.
Boston’s Secret to Creating a Memorable St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day in Boston offers countless ways to connect with Irish culture, from exploring historic sites to enjoying authentic food and music. But every celebration deserves to feel special without adding pressure to your busy life.
Hiring personal shopping services can transform your St. Patrick’s Day experience by handling all aspects of preparation and planning. Professional support makes every celebration effortless with:
- Shopping for gifts and holiday cards
- Decorating your home with Irish-themed decor
- Organizing a private St. Patrick’s Day gathering
- Planning a family vacation to Boston
Our team knows where to find the best Irish goodies and local Irish-themed events to where to stay and what to do based on your tastes and preferences. Learn more about how our Holiday Services can help you create memorable celebrations throughout the year.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in March 2017 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.